On 6/21/2024 at 1:28 PM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์
 

A Thai woman issued a warning to locals after a Russian man stole her bag, containing 15,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone, from a bar in Phuket's Karon neighbourhood on Wednesday. The incident has sparked online debates about the visa-free policy for foreign visitors.

 

The victim, who works at the bar, recounted the incident to Phuket Times yesterday, stating she had briefly left her bag at the counter to buy food from a nearby stall. Upon returning, she discovered her bag missing. CCTV footage later revealed that a Russian man had taken the bag and swiftly exited the bar. 

 

The footage indicated that the man arrived at the bar with his girlfriend, although he executed the theft alone. The victim expressed uncertainty whether his girlfriend was aware of the crime.

“I would like to issue a warning to others. Don’t be reckless and leave anything behind. You cannot trust anyone, especially foreigners,” the woman remarked during her interview with the media.

 

Public Outcry Over Visa-Free Policy

 

The theft quickly stirred public sentiment online, with many Thai netizens criticising the visa-free policy that allows foreigners to enter Thailand easily. Commenters highlighted various issues, from public indecency to thefts involving tourists. 

 

“Be careful with Chinese and Indian tourists as well,” one user warned, while another commented, “Foreign criminals come to Thailand easily under this government.”

 

Other users expressed fears of rising crime rates, suggesting more stringent measures for foreign visitors. Some even called for a specialised prison for foreign criminals, citing an influx of thefts and misdemeanors.

 

Divided Opinions

 

While many supported stricter policies, others blamed the victim for her carelessness. Some argued against cancelling the visa-free policy, noting that it would adversely affect tourism businesses already struggling with fewer visitors.

 

 Related Incidents

 

The issue of foreigner-related crime in Thailand is not isolated. In another recent instance, a Thai woman reported her motorcycle theft by a foreigner in Chalong district, while earlier in June, another foreigner in Pattaya was apprehended for a similar incident. In April, two foreign women were caught stealing from a souvenir shop in Krabi, but no further details on their arrest have been disclosed.

 

The recent spike in crimes has prompted locals to call for better security measures and more rigorous evaluations of foreign visitors entering the country.

 

-- 2024-06-21

 

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I still dont get why us Falang would go to Thailand to steal from the locals as the Thais are so generous with what they offer us.

 I think some of the tourist must be in a dyer situation and have a true need for cash which means they probably shouldn't be on a holiday in the first place.